Absolute Batman #4 Review: How a Boy Became the Bat
With guest art from Gabriel Hernandez Walta, Absolute Batman #4 stands as one of the best issues of the series yet.
Absolute Batman #4
Review
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Gabriel Hernandez Walta
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: January 8, 2025
Page Count: 28
Absolute Batman #4 is a powerful and poignant look into Bruce Wayne's past, revealing what’s at the core of Absolute Batman. With stunning art by guest Gabriel Hernandez Walta, this issue stands out as one of the series' best yet.
Absolute Batman #4
ReviewWriter: Scott Snyder
Artist: Gabriel Hernandez Walta
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: January 8, 2025
Page Count: 28
Absolute Batman #4 is a powerful and poignant look into Bruce Wayne's past, revealing what’s at the core of Absolute Batman. With stunning art by guest Gabriel Hernandez Walta, this issue stands out as one of the series' best yet.
To the surprise of no one, DC Comics' Absolute Batman continues to dominate the comic book world since its massive debut in October. With just four issues, the series has smashed records left and right, all while introducing readers to a fresh take on the World's Greatest Detective. However, this fourth installment comes with a change-up as Gabriel Hernandez Walta steps in as a guest artist to take readers deep into the psyche of Bruce Wayne. With a new look and a bold story, this could be one of the series’ most compelling chapters yet. Let’s break down what makes Absolute Batman #4 a standout in an already stellar run.
Overview
This latest issue pulls back the curtain on Bruce Wayne, flashing back to the memories that lie in the heart of Batman. It lays out the path of how the young, optimistic Bruce Wayne eventually became the brutish and violent Dark Knight that we see today. The story shows that amongst all that rage and power is a focused determination behind it all. This is the issue where we learn what is truly at the core of what makes Absolute Batman such a unique and troubled hero.
Image: GONKBONK
Review
Absolute Batman #4 takes a step back a bit from the main plot to give readers a deeper look into the foundational memories of Bruce Wayne and what sparked his idea of becoming Batman. Scenes flip-flop between different points in Bruce’s young life, showing him as a bright-eyed boy working on a school project with his father to the determined young man building what would become Batman. This issue essentially serves as Batman's "origin story" in a way, tapping into Bruce's emotional fallout from his father's death.
One of the issue's greatest strengths is how it explores the parallels between Bruce and his father. Snyder draws compelling connections between their shared drive and sense of purpose, both sparked by personal loss. This parallel adds depth to Bruce's motivations, suggesting that his crusade as Batman is not just about vengeance, but also about honoring his father's legacy of helping others.
Image: GONKBONK
The narration throughout the issue constantly speaks of Bruce building something “bigger,” juxtaposed against scenes of him tirelessly creating the larger-than-life Batman we see in the comics. On the surface, you’d think it describes his literal construction of the Batman persona and equipment. But more than that, it speaks about Bruce's attempt to construct meaning from tragedy and build a better future for Gotham. As much as the intense action of the series has been great so far, this issue will give you a great sense of the grit and determination Bruce put into his body and persona to become Gotham City's protector.
Gabriel Hernandez Walta’s art elevates the issue to new heights in ways I never could have expected. While Nick Dragotta has set a high bar throughout the series, Walta’s gritty and raw style perfectly complements the flashback-heavy narrative. His art captures the innocence of Bruce’s youth and the intense determination of his early years as Batman, adding an emotional depth that resonates on every page.
Compared to previous issues, Absolute Batman #4 does well by slowing things down to focus on character development. This change of pace might feel jarring to some readers expecting more action, but it ultimately enriches the greater story being told in the series. The issue serves as a crucial turning point as the series gears up for the final stretch of its explosive first arc.
Image: GONKBONK
Final Thoughts
Absolute Batman #4 is a standout issue in an already phenomenal series. Delving deep into Bruce Wayne's past and psyche adds new layers of depth to this fresh take on the Dark Knight. Gabriel Hernandez Walta's art perfectly captures the raw emotion and determination that define Bruce's journey. As the series approaches the climactic finale of its first arc, this issue serves as a powerful reminder of what is at the core of Batman and why he continues to captivate readers after all these years. DC’s Absolute Universe continues to be killer, and you should really dive into it right now.
Why You Should Read Absolute Batman
- It offers a fresh and compelling take on Batman's origin story within the Absolute Universe.
- Gabriel Hernandez Walta's guest art brings a unique visual style to the series.
- It sets up an exciting finale for the series' first arc, making it a crucial read for Absolute Batman fans.